Electronic apparatus with hinge mechanism

ABSTRACT

An electronic apparatus includes a first case and a second case. The electronic apparatus includes a hinge support that is located in the vicinity of the first case and the second case, a first hinge portion that openably and closably couples the first case and the hinge support, and a second hinge portion that rotatably couples the second case and the hinge support. The position where the first hinge portion is joined to the hinge support is separated from the position where the second hinge portion is joined to the hinge support.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present application relates to an electronic apparatus with a hinge mechanism.

2. Description of Related Art

Conventionally, an electronic apparatus with a hinge mechanism has been a notebook computer, a folding portable telephone, a portable game machine, or the like. In such an electronic apparatus, the hinge mechanism supports a plurality of cases openably and closably.

Moreover, an electronic apparatus with a hinge mechanism capable of providing rotating motion as well as opening/closing motion is coming on the market. JP 2004-094647 A discloses an electronic apparatus that is openable, closable, and rotatable. The electronic apparatus of JP 2004-094647 A includes a hinge mechanism having a rotating shaft and a pair of opening/closing shafts that are perpendicular to each other. The hinge mechanism is located in the middle of the lower side of a housing.

In the electronic apparatus of JP 2004-094647 A, if a load is concentrated on the rotating shaft and/or the opening/closing shafts of the hinge mechanism, the housing supported by the hinge mechanism is likely to swing, and there is a good chance that the hinge mechanism will be damaged.

SUMMARY

An electronic apparatus of the present application includes a first case and a second case. The electronic apparatus includes the following: a hinge holding portion that is located in the vicinity of the first case and the second case and connected to the second case; a first hinge portion that openably and closably couples the first case and the hinge holding portion; and a second hinge portion that rotatably couples the second case and the hinge holding portion. The second hinge portion supports the second case so that the second case can be rotated around a rotation axis substantially perpendicular to a plane direction of a principal plane of the first case that faces the second case in a closed state in which the first case and the second case are closed. The position where the first hinge portion is joined to the hinge holding portion is separated from the position where the second hinge portion is joined to the hinge holding portion.

An electronic apparatus of the present application includes a first case and a second case. The electronic apparatus includes the following: a first hinge portion that openably and closably couples the first case and the second case; and a second hinge portion that rotatably couples the first case and the second case. The first hinge portion controls a position of the second case relative to the first case when an opening/closing angle between the first case and the second case is a predetermined opening/closing angle. The predetermined opening/closing angle is an opening/closing angle at which the second case is spaced from the first case or a surface on which the electronic apparatus is placed during rotation of the second case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first state of a notebook computer.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a second state of the notebook computer.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a third state of the notebook computer.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a fourth state of the notebook computer.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a fifth state of the notebook computer.

FIG. 6A is a side view of a notebook computer disclosed in JP 2004-094647 A.

FIG. 6B is a side view of a notebook computer disclosed in JP 2004-094647 A.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing the third state of the notebook computer.

FIG. 8A is a plan view of an opening/closing hinge.

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Y-Y in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a side view of a rotating hinge.

FIG. 9B is a plan view of the rotating hinge when it is viewed from a third support member side.

FIG. 9C is a bottom view of the rotating hinge when it is viewed from a fourth support member side.

FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Z-Z in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9E is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Y-Y in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9F is a plan view showing a state of the rotating hinge when the notebook computer is in the third state (see FIG. 3).

FIG. 9G is a plan view showing a state of the rotating hinge when the notebook computer is in the fourth state (see FIG. 4).

FIG. 9H is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Y-Y (FIG. 9A) when the notebook computer is in the fourth state (see FIG. 4).

FIG. 9I is a plan view of a support member from which some of the sides are removed.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of a notebook computer.

FIG. 11A is a side view of the notebook computer shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11B is a side view showing the main portion of the notebook computer shown in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a notebook computer.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the first state of a notebook computer.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the second state of the notebook computer.

FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the main portion of a first case.

FIG. 16 is a front view showing the first case and a second case.

FIG. 17 is a plan view showing the main portions of a first case and a hinge support.

FIG. 18 is a front view showing a second case and the hinge support.

FIG. 19A is a front view showing a second case with a rotation restraining member and a hinge support.

FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view showing the main portion in the vicinity of a slide lever in the second case.

FIG. 19C is a cross-sectional view showing the main portion in the vicinity of the slide lever in the second case.

FIG. 20A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line W-W in FIG. 19A.

FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line W-W in FIG. 19A.

FIG. 21 is a plan view showing the main portion of an opening/closing hinge.

FIG. 22A is a side view of a notebook computer in the second state.

FIG. 22B is a side view of the notebook computer in the first state.

FIG. 23A is a plan view of the opening/closing hinge when the notebook computer is in the second state.

FIG. 23B is a plan view of the opening/closing hinge when the notebook computer is in the first state.

FIG. 24 is a side view of a notebook computer in a third state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1 1. Configuration of Electronic Apparatus

[1-1. Summary of Electronic Apparatus]

In the hinge mechanism disclosed in JP 2004-094647 A, if a load is concentrated on the rotating shaft and/or the opening/closing shafts, the housing supported by the hinge mechanism is likely to swing, and there is a good chance that the hinge mechanism will be damaged. Moreover, in the electronic apparatus of JP 2004-094647 A, when the display unit is in a position where the display surface is not parallel to the opening/closing shafts (e.g., the position shown in FIG. 1 of JP 2004-094647 A), and then is moved in the direction in which the display unit is closed, the corner of the display unit can hit the keyboard, the pointing device, or the housing and damage them.

An electronic apparatus of Embodiment 1 has a configuration that can overcome the above disadvantages of the configuration as disclosed in JP 2004-094647 A.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views showing the appearance of a notebook computer that is an example of the electronic apparatus of this embodiment. FIG. 1 shows the notebook computer in a first state. FIG. 2 shows the notebook computer in a second state. This embodiment describes the notebook computer as an example of the electronic apparatus. However, the electronic apparatus also may be a folding portable telephone, a folding electronic game machine, a folding electronic dictionary terminal, or the like. There is no particular limitation to the electronic apparatus as long as it includes at least two or more cases and a hinge mechanism for supporting the cases openably, closably, and rotatably.

As shown in FIG. 1, the notebook computer includes a first case 1 and a second case 2. The first case 1 contains a circuit board on which various electric elements are mounted, a hard disk drive, or the like. The second case 2 is provided with a liquid crystal display 4. Opening/closing hinges 3 support the first case 1 and the second case 2 openably and closably. The second case 2 is a substantially box-shaped case having a front surface 2 a, a lower surface 2 b, a back surface 2 g, an upper surface 2 h, a first side 2 i, and a second side 2 j. The front surface 2 a and the back surface 2 g are parallel and opposite to each other with a predetermined distance between them. The upper surface 2 h and the lower surface 2 b are spaced at a predetermined distance from each other. The first side 2 i and the second side 2 j are spaced at a predetermined distance from each other.

The second case 2 is supported rotatably on the first case 1 by a rotating hinge 7 (as will be described in detail later). The rotating hinge 7 is contained in a hinge support 8. The hinge support 8 holds the rotating hinge 7. When the second case 2 is opened and closed, the hinge support 8 is rotated together with the second case 2. On the other hand, when the second case 2 is rotated, the hinge support 8 is not rotated. Thus, the second case 2 can be rotated independently of the hinge support 8.

The opening/closing hinges 3 have shafts that rotatably support the first case 1 and the second case 2. The detailed configuration of the opening/closing hinges 3 will be described later.

A keyboard 5 and a pointing device 6 are provided on a principal plane (referred to as a top surface in the following) 1 a of the first case 1. The keyboard 5 allows a user to input various characters. The pointing device 6 is fixed in the first case 1 with its operating surface exposed on the top surface 1 a of the first case 1. The pointing device 6 allows a user to touch the operating surface and move the cursor displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 to a desired position.

The top surface 1 a of the first case 1 faces the second case 2 when the notebook computer is in the second state, as shown in FIG. 2. The front surface 2 a of the second case 2 faces the first case 1 when the notebook computer is in the second state, as shown in FIG. 2.

In general, when the notebook computer is used, the second case 2 is turned in the direction of the arrow B from the second state (see FIG. 2), and then the notebook computer assumes the first state (see FIG. 1). When the notebook computer is folded, the second case 2 is turned in the direction of the arrow A from the first state (see FIG. 1), and then the notebook computer assumes the second state (see FIG. 2). The first state in which the liquid crystal display 4 can be seen visually is a normal operational state of the notebook computer. The second state in which the second case 2 is folded down over the first case 1 is a non-operational state of the notebook computer for carrying or the like. In FIG. 1, an angle between the top surface 1 a of the first case 1 and the front surface 2 a of the second case 2 (referred to as an opening/closing angle in the following) is about 90 degrees. However, the second case 2 can be turned to a position where the opening/closing angle is 90 degrees or more. Depending on the operational state of the notebook computer, the opening/closing angle of 90 degrees does not necessarily make it easy for a user to see the display of the liquid crystal display 4. Therefore, it is preferable that the second case 2 can be turned to a position where the opening/closing angle is 90 degrees or more. Thus, the “normal operational state of the notebook computer” includes not only the first state in which the opening/closing angle is about 90 degrees, as shown in FIG. 1, but also a state in which the opening/closing angle is 90 degrees or more.

In the notebook computer of this embodiment, the second case 2 can be rotated as well as opened and closed between the first state and the second state. This means that the notebook computer can be changed to different states from the first state and the second state.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the notebook computer in a third state. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the notebook computer in a fourth state. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the notebook computer in a fifth state.

In the third state shown in FIG. 3, the second case 2 is rotated about 90 degrees in the direction of the arrow C around a rotation axis C1 from the first state shown in FIG. 1. The second case 2 can return to the first state when it is rotated in the direction of the arrow D around the rotation axis C1 from the third state. The third state is not the normal operational state of the notebook computer, but a transition state between the first state and the fourth state.

In the fourth state shown in FIG. 4, the second case 2 is rotated about 90 degrees in the direction of the arrow C around the rotation axis C1 from the third state shown in FIG. 3. That is, in the fourth state, the second case 2 is rotated about 180 degrees in the direction of the arrow C from the first state shown in FIG. 1. The second case 2 can return to the third state when it is rotated in the direction of the arrow D around the rotation axis C1 from the fourth state.

In the fifth state shown in FIG. 5, the second case 2 is turned about 90 degrees in the direction of the arrow A around an opening/closing axis A1 from the fourth state shown in FIG. 4. In the fifth state, the back surface of the second case 2 (i.e., the side of the second case 2 opposed to the liquid crystal display 4) faces the top surface 1 a of the first case 1. Therefore, in the fifth state, the liquid crystal display 4 can be viewed. Moreover, in the fifth state, the second case 2 is positioned so that the display surface of the liquid crystal display 4 is substantially parallel to the top surface 1 a of the first case 1. The second case 2 can return to the fourth state when it is turned in the direction of the arrow B around the opening/closing axis A1 from the fifth state.

As described above, the second case 2 can be turned around the opening/closing axis A1 between the first state and the second state and also between the fourth state and the fifth state. Moreover, the second case 2 can be rotated around the rotation axis C1 between the first state and the fourth state via the third state.

An “opening/closing motion” indicates transitions from the first state to the second state and from the second state to the first state by turning at least one of the plurality of cases (i.e., the second case 2 in this embodiment) around the opening/closing axis. In this embodiment, the “opening/closing motion” causes the second case 2 to be turned in the direction of the arrow A or B around the opening/closing axis A1. The opening/closing motion brings the second case 2 to an “open state” in which the opening/closing angle between the first case 1 and the second case 2 is 90 degrees or more, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. The opening/closing motion brings the second case to a “closed state” in which the opening/closing angle between the first case 1 and the second case 2 is about 0 degrees, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. In this case, the top surface 1 a of the first case 1 and the front surface 2 a of the second case 2 are generally parallel and face each other. When the opening/closing angle between the first case 1 and the second case 2 is 0 to 90 degrees, in general, it is difficult to say that the notebook computer is in the normal operational state. Therefore, in this embodiment, the opening/closing angle in the above range is defined as a “halfway stage between the open and closed states”.

A “rotating motion” indicates a rotation of at least one of the plurality of cases (i.e., the second case 2 in this embodiment) around the rotation axis that is substantially perpendicular to the opening/closing axis. In this embodiment, the “rotating motion” causes the second case 2 to be rotated in the direction of the arrow C or D (as will be described later) around the rotation axis C1. In this embodiment, although the second case 2 can be opened and closed or rotated with respect to the first case 1, the first case 1 may be opened and closed or rotated with respect to the second case 2.

[1-2. Characteristics of Electronic Apparatus of this Embodiment]

The electronic apparatus of this embodiment is characterized by the position of the opening/closing axis A1.

FIGS. 6A and 6B schematically show an electronic apparatus disclosed in JP 2004-094647 A. In FIG. 6A, the electronic apparatus of JP 2004-094647 A is in the third state. The electronic apparatus shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B includes a first case 101 that is provided with a keyboard 105 and a pointing device 106, and a second case 102 that is provided with a liquid crystal display 104. The first case 101 and the second case 102 can be opened and closed by turning around an opening/closing axis 103. In the electronic apparatus shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the opening/closing axis 103 is located at a position higher than a top surface 101 a of the first case 101 (i.e., located closer to the second case 102). Therefore, a relatively large gap D101 is formed between the top surface 101 a of the first case 101 and a lower surface 102 a of the second case 102.

If the second case 102 in the state shown in FIG. 6A is turned accidentally in the direction of the arrow H around the opening/closing axis 103, it is brought into a state shown in FIG. 6B. In the state shown in FIG. 6B, a corner 102 b of the second case 102 is in contact with the pointing device 106. When the corner 102 b comes into contact with the pointing device 106, the pointing device 106 may be damaged. Moreover, if the corner 102 b comes into contact with the pointing device 106 during operation of the notebook computer, the pointing device 106 may malfunction. Depending on the turning angle of the second case 102, the corner 102 b of the second case 102 can come into contact with the top surface 101 a of the first case 101. When the corner 102 b comes into contact with the top surface 101 a, the first case 101 may be damaged.

In view of this, this embodiment places the opening/closing axis A1 at a position lower than the top surface 1 a of the first case 1, as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the notebook computer in the third state of this embodiment. With this configuration, when the notebook computer is in the first state (see FIG. 1), the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2 is positioned slightly lower than the top surface 1 a of the first case 1. Next, the second case 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow C around the rotation axis C1 from this state. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, a portion of the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2 that is near the rotating hinge 7 is put on the top surface 1 a of the first case 1, and the second case 2 tilts slightly in the direction of the arrow G. Therefore, a sufficient space is provided between a corner 2 c of the second case 2 and the top surface 1 a of the first case 1 and also between the corner 2 c of the second case 2 and the pointing device 6. This can prevent the corner 2 c from coming into contact with the top surface 1 a of the first case 1 and the pointing device 6.

Even if a force is applied to the second case 2 in the state shown in FIG. 7 in the direction of the arrow H, since the portion of the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2 that is near the rotating hinge 7 is put on the top surface 1 a of the first case 1, the second case 2 is not displaced significantly in the direction of the arrow H. Should the second case 2 be displaced slightly in the direction of the arrow H, the second case 2 is not likely to come into contact with the first case 1 due to the presence of a space D1 between the first case 1 and the second case 2, as shown in FIG. 7.

2. Hinge Configuration

The electronic apparatus of this embodiment includes the opening/closing hinges and the rotating hinge. The opening/closing hinges support the second case 2 so that the second case 2 can be moved from the position in the first state (see FIG. 1) to that in the second state (see FIG. 2) and also from the position in the second state (see FIG. 2) to that in the first state (see FIG. 1). Moreover, the opening/closing hinges support the second case 2 so that the second case 2 can be moved from the position in the fourth state (see FIG. 4) to that in the fifth state (see FIG. 5) and also from the position in the fifth state (see FIG. 5) to that in the fourth state (see FIG. 4). The rotating hinge supports the second case 2 so that the second case 2 can be moved from the position in the first state (see FIG. 1) to that in the fourth state (see FIG. 4) and also from the position in the fourth state (see FIG. 4) to that in the first state (see FIG. 1).

[2-1. Configuration of the Opening/Closing Hinges 3]

FIG. 8A is a plan view showing the main portion of the internal structure of the opening/closing hinge 3. In FIG. 8A, for the sake of clarity, a part of the first case 1 and the second case 2 is illustrated in a cross-sectional view. To illustrate the configuration clearly, FIG. 8A shows a state in which the second case 2 is turned further in the direction of the arrow B from the first state (see FIG. 1) and forms an angle of about 180 degrees with respect to the first case 1. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Y-Y in FIG. 8A. In FIG. 8B, for the sake of clarity, only a shaft 11 is hatched and the other portions are illustrated schematically.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the opening/closing hinge 3 includes a hinge mechanism 10. The hinge mechanism 10 includes the shaft 11, a first support member 12, a second support member 13, and a first torque mechanism 14.

The shaft 11 can be rotated in the direction of the arrow A or B around a line A1 in accordance with the opening/closing motion of the second case 2 in the direction of the arrow A or B. It is preferable that the shaft 11 is made of metal in view of resistance to the force applied as the first case 1 or the second case 2 is turned. In this embodiment, the shaft 11 is made of stainless steel and has a shaft diameter of about 3 to 4 mm and a shaft length of about 15 mm. However, the size and material of the shaft 11 are not limited thereto.

The first support member 12 is supported rotatably by the shaft 11. The first support member 12 is fixed to the first case 1 with screws 16. The second support member 13 is fixed to the shaft 11 with rivets or the like. The second support member 13 is fixed to the second case 2 with screws 15. Therefore, when the second case 2 is turned between the first state (see FIG. 1) and the second state (see FIG. 2), the shaft 11 is rotated together with the second case 2, and the second support member 13 also is rotated around the axis A1 of the shaft 11 together with the second case 2. Moreover, a first support 12 a is formed integrally with the first support member 12. The first case 1 has a through hole 1 c, through which the shaft 11 is inserted rotatably. A second support 13 a is formed integrally with the second support member 13. The second case 2 has a through hole 2 k, through which the shaft 11 can be inserted. The shaft 11 is inserted through the through hole 2 k and fixed to the second support 13 a with rivets or the like. In this embodiment, although the configuration is viewed only from the second support 13 a side, as shown in FIG. 8B, it is similar when viewed from the first support 12 a side. It is preferable that the first support member 12 and the second support member 13 be made of metal in view of resistance to the force applied as the first case 1 or the second case 2 is turned. In this embodiment, the first support member 12 and the second support member 13 are made of, e.g., stainless steel, but the material is not limited thereto.

The first torque mechanism 14 is composed of a plurality of disk-shaped washers or rubber sheets and fixed to the shaft 11. In this embodiment, the first support member 12 has a through hole 12 b that allows the shaft 11 to be inserted through the washers or rubber sheets, and the shaft 11 is press-fitted in the through hole 12 b. Therefore, the first torque mechanism 14 is rotated together with the shaft 11 as the shaft 11 is rotated in accordance with the turning of the second case 2. Moreover, the first torque mechanism 14 is pressed into contact with the first support member 12. Therefore, due to the friction between the first support member 12 and the first torque mechanism 14 caused by this contact, a rotational load can be applied to the second case 2. In other words, due to the friction between the first support member 12 and the first torque mechanism 14, the position of the second case 2 relative to the first case 1 can be maintained at any opening/closing angle. For example, the second case 2 can be maintained in the position in the first state shown in FIG. 1. The configuration of the first torque mechanism 14 of this embodiment is merely an example, and other configurations also may be employed as long as a load can be applied to at least the rotation of the shaft 11 or the turning of the second case 2.

Hereinafter, the motion will be described.

When the second case 2 is turned in the direction of the arrow A from the position in the first state (see FIGS. 1 and 8B), the second support member 13 fixed to the second case 2 also is rotated around the opening/closing axis A1. The shaft 11 that is provided integrally with the second support member 13 is rotated in the direction of the arrow A around the opening/closing axis A1 as the second support member 13 is rotated. At this time, the first torque mechanism 14 applies a load to the rotation of the shaft 11. The second case 2 can be turned to the position in the second state (see FIG. 2).

When the second case 2 is turned in the direction of the arrow B from the position in the second state (see FIG. 2), the second support member 13 fixed to the second case 2 also is rotated around the opening/closing axis A1. The shaft 11 that is provided integrally with the second support member 13 is rotated in the direction of the arrow B around the opening/closing axis A1 as the second support member 13 is rotated. At this time, the first torque mechanism 14 applies a load to the rotation of the shaft 11. The second case 2 can be turned to the position in the first state (see FIG. 1).

FIGS. 8A and 8B show the specific configuration of one of a pair of opening/closing hinges 3. Both of the pair of opening/closing hinges 3 have the same configuration, and therefore only the specific configuration of one of the opening/closing hinges 3 is illustrated.

[2-2. Configuration of the Rotating Hinge 7]

FIG. 9A is a side view of the rotating hinge 7. FIG. 9B is a plan view of the rotating hinge 7 when it is viewed from a third support member 31 side. FIG. 9C is a bottom view of the rotating hinge 7 when it is viewed from a fourth support member 32 side. FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Z-Z in FIG. 9A. FIG. 9E is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Y-Y in FIG. 9A.

The rotating hinge 7 includes the third support member 31, the fourth support member 32, a shaft 33, a thrust washer 34, a rotation restricting member 35, a torque mechanism 36, and a thrust washer 37.

The third support member 31 is fixed in the second case 2. The third support member 31 is substantially in the form of a box having a bottom 31 m and sides 31 f, 31 g, 31 h, 31 i, 31 j, and 31 k that are provided on the periphery of the bottom 31 m. The sides 31 f, 31 h, and 31 j are formed integrally. The sides 31 g, 31 i, and 31 k are formed integrally. The sides 31 h and 31 i are joined together. The sides 31 j and 31 k are joined together. The bottom 31 m has a circular hole 31 a. The shaft 33 is press-fitted in the hole 31 a. In the third support member 31, a rib protrudes from the joint between the sides 31 h and 31 i, and a hole 31 b is formed in the rib. Moreover, in the third support member 31, a rib protrudes from the joint between the sides 31 j and 31 k, and a hole 31 c is formed in the rib. When the third support member 31 is fixed in the second case 2, screws (not shown) are inserted through the holes 31 b and 31 c. It is preferable that the third support member 31 is made of metal in view of the load applied during the rotation of the second case 2.

The fourth support member 32 is fixed in the hinge support 8. The fourth support member 32 is substantially in the form of a box having a bottom 32 m and sides 32 f, 32 g, 32 h, 32 i, 32 j, and 32 k that are provided on the periphery of the bottom 32 m. The sides 32 f, 32 h, and 32 j are formed integrally. The sides 32 g, 32 i, and 32 k are formed integrally. The sides 32 h and 32 i are joined together. The sides 32 j and 32 k are joined together. The bottom 32 m has a circular hole 32 a. The shaft 33 is inserted rotatably through the hole 32 a. In the fourth support member 32, holes 32 b and 32 c are formed in one of the four side walls adjacent to the bottom 32 m. A restricting portion 35 b or 35 c (as will be described later) of the rotation restricting member 35 comes into contact with the inner wall of the hole 32 b or 32 c, thereby restricting the rotation of the shaft 33 including the rotation restricting member 35. In the fourth support member 32, a rib protrudes from the joint between the sides 32 h and 32 i, and a hole 32 d is formed in the rib. Moreover, in the fourth support member 32, a rib protrudes from the joint between the sides 32 j and 32 k, and a hole 32 e is formed in the rib. When the fourth support member 32 is fixed in the hinge support 8, screws (not shown) are inserted through the holes 32 d and 32 e. It is preferable that the fourth support member 32 is made of metal in view of the load applied during the rotation of the second case 2.

The axis of the shaft 33 coincides with the rotation axis C1. The shaft 33 is substantially cylindrical in shape. The shaft 33 has a through hole 33 a that extends in the axial direction (i.e., the direction of the rotation axis C1). It is preferable that the shaft 33 is made of metal in view of the load applied during the rotation of the second case 2. Since one end of the shaft 33 in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the third support member 31, the shaft 33 is rotated in the direction of the arrow E or F (see FIG. 9B) in accordance with the rotation of the third support member 31. The other end of the shaft 33 in the longitudinal direction is inserted through the hole 32 a of the fourth support member 32 and placed in the fourth support member 32. As shown in FIG. 9D, the fourth support member 32, the thrust washer 34, the rotation restricting member 35, the torque mechanism 36, and the thrust washer 37 are fitted to the other end of the shaft 33 in this order in the direction of the rotation axis C1. The through hole 33 a allows a cable to pass through it, and also contributes to weight reduction. The first case 1 and the second case 2 are connected spatially via the through hole 33 a. Therefore, the electrical component (e.g., the printed board) in the first case 1 and the electrical component (e.g., the liquid crystal display 4) in the second case 2 can be connected electrically by the cable.

The thrust washer 34 is a disk-shaped member having a through hole, in which the shaft 33 is fitted rotatably. The thrust washer 34 adjusts the position of the rotation restricting member 35 in the direction of the rotation axis C1.

As shown in FIG. 9E, the rotation restricting member 35 is a disk-shaped member having a through hole, in which the shaft 33 is press-fitted. Thus, the rotation restricting member 35 is rotated in accordance with the rotation of the shaft 33 in the direction of the arrow E or F. A rib 35 a with a large radius is formed in a part of the rotation restricting member 35 in the circumferential direction. A small rib 35 d is formed on the opposite side of the through hole 33 a from the rib 35 a, and continues to the restricting portions 35 b and 35 c (as will be described later). The rib 35 a has the restricting portion 35 b at one edge and the restricting portion 35 c at the other edge in the circumferential direction. When the second case 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow C around the rotation axis C1 to a predetermined position, the restricting portion 35 b comes into contact with the inner wall of the hole 32 b of the fourth support member 32 to restrict the rotation of the shaft 33 in the direction of the arrow E. When the second case 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow D around the rotation axis C1 to a predetermined position, the restricting portion 35 c comes into contact with the inner wall of the hole 32 c of the fourth support member 32 to restrict the rotation of the shaft 33 in the direction of the arrow F. FIGS. 9C and 9E show a state in which the restricting portion 35 b is in contact with the inner wall of the hole 32 b.

The torque mechanism 36 is a disk-shaped member having a through hole, through which the shaft 33 is inserted. The torque mechanism 36 is sandwiched between the rotation restricting member 35 and the thrust washer 37, and applies a load to the rotation of the shaft 33 due to the friction with the rotation restricting member 35 and the friction with the thrust washer 37. The torque mechanism 36 preferably is an elastic body made of a material such as rubber.

The thrust washer 37 is a disk-shaped member having a through hole, in which the shaft 33 is press-fitted. The thrust washer 37 prevents the thrust washer 34, the rotation restricting member 35, and the torque mechanism 36 from dropping off the shaft 33.

Hereinafter, the rotating motion will be described.

First, when the notebook computer is in the first state (see FIG. 1), the rotating hinge 7 is in the state shown in FIGS. 9A to 9E. That is, the longitudinal directions of the third support member 31 and the fourth support member 32 are substantially the same. In this case, the restricting portion 35 b of the rotation restricting member 35 is in contact with the inner wall of the hole 32 b, and thus restricts the rotation of the shaft 33 and the third support member 31 in the direction of the arrow E. In the first state shown in FIG. 1, the rotation of the second case 2 in the direction of the arrow D is restricted.

Next, when the second case 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow C around the rotation axis C1 so as to transfer the notebook computer from the first state (see FIG. 1) to the third state (see FIG. 3), the third support member 31, the shaft 33, the thrust washer 34, the rotation restricting member 35, the torque mechanism 36, and the thrust washer 37 are rotated in the direction of the arrow E (see FIG. 9B etc.). FIG. 9F is a plan view showing the state of the rotating hinge 7 when the notebook computer is in the third state (see FIG. 3).

Next, when the second case 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow C around the rotation axis C1 so as to transfer the notebook computer from the third state (see FIG. 3) to the fourth state (see FIG. 4), the third support member 31, the shaft 33, the thrust washer 34, the rotation restricting member 35, the torque mechanism 36, and the thrust washer 37 are rotated in the direction of the arrow E (see FIG. 9B etc.). FIG. 9G is a plan view showing the state of the rotating hinge 7 when the notebook computer is in the fourth state (see FIG. 4). FIG. 9H is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Y-Y (FIG. 9A) when the notebook computer is in the fourth state (see FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 9H, when the notebook computer is in the fourth state (see FIG. 4), the restricting portion 35 c of the rotation restricting member 35 is in contact with the inner wall of the hole 32 c of the fourth support member 32. Thus, the rotation of the rotation restricting member 35 in the direction of the arrow F is restricted. Accordingly, the rotation of the shaft 33 and the third support member 31 in the direction of the arrow F also is restricted, which in turn restricts the rotation of the second case 2 in the direction of the arrow C (see FIG. 4).

The motion of the rotating hinge 7 during the transition of the notebook computer from the fourth state (see FIG. 4) to the first state (see FIG. 1) is simply the reverse of the above motion, and therefore the detailed description will be omitted.

Since the rotation angle of the second case 2 is limited to about 180 degrees by the rotation restricting member 35, the cable (not shown) passing through the through hole 33 a of the shaft 33 is not twisted significantly. Thus, a fracture or break of the cable (not shown) can be avoided.

Next, the reason for the use of the box-shaped third support member 31 and fourth support member 32 will be described. For example, if the third support member 31 and the fourth support member 32 are not substantially in the form of a box, the rigidity is low. FIG. 9I is a plan view of a support member (corresponding to the third support member 31 shown in FIG. 9A etc.) from which some of the sides are removed. The support member 131 shown in FIG. 9I has a bottom 131 d and a side 131 c that is provided on a part of the periphery of the bottom 131 d. Two holes 131 a and 131 b, into which screws are inserted to fix the support member 131 to the second case 2, are formed in both ends of the side 131 c. In this configuration, when the notebook computer is in the first state, and the second case 2 is turned to change the opening/closing angle with respect to the first case 1 or rotated from the first state (see FIG. 1) to the third state (see FIG. 3), the second case 2 is pressed in the direction perpendicular to the display surface of the liquid crystal display 4, and thus a force is applied to the support member 131 in the direction of the arrow P or Q. Then, the portions of the support member 131 in the vicinity of the holes 131 a and 131 b are shifted in the direction of the arrow P or Q, so that the side 131 c tends to be distorted in the direction of the arrow P or Q. In this case, since the support member 131 is not substantially in the form of a box, the side 131 c is distorted easily in the direction of the arrow P or Q. Therefore, the rotating hinge including the support member 131 has low rigidity in the direction of the arrow P or Q, which also reduces the rigidity of the second case 2 against the pressing force that is applied in the direction perpendicular to the display surface of the liquid crystal display 4.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the third support member 31 is substantially in the form of a box with the sides 31 f to 31 k and the bottom 31 m, as shown in FIG. 9B. In this configuration, when the notebook computer is in the first state (see FIG. 1), and the second case 2 is pressed in the direction perpendicular to the display surface of the liquid crystal display 4, a force is applied to the third support member 31 in the direction of the arrow P or Q. Then, the portions of the third support member 31 in the vicinity of the holes 31 b and 31 c are shifted in the direction of the arrow P or Q, so that the sides 31 f and 31 g tend to be distorted in the direction of the arrow P or Q. However, since the sides 31 f and 31 g are integrated with the sides 31 h, 31 i, 31 j, and 31 k and the bottom 31 m, the amount of distortion in the direction of the arrow P or Q (see FIG. 9I) can be reduced. Therefore, the rotating hinge 7 can have high rigidity in the direction of the arrow P or Q, which also can improve the rigidity of the second case 2 against the pressing force that is applied in the direction perpendicular to the display surface of the liquid crystal display 4. Moreover, since the third support member 31 is fixed to the second case 2, even if the notebook computer is in the third state or the fourth state, the rigidity of the second case 2 against the pressing force that is applied in the direction perpendicular to the display surface of the liquid crystal display 4 can be improved.

As shown in FIG. 9C, the fourth support member 32 is substantially in the form of a box with the sides 32 f to 32 k and the bottom 32 m. In this configuration, similarly to the third support member 31, since the sides 32 f and 32 g are integrated with the sides 32 h, 32 i, 32 j, and 32 k and the bottom 32 m, the amount of distortion in the direction of the arrow P or Q (see FIG. 9I) can be reduced. Therefore, the rotating hinge 7 can have high rigidity in the direction of the arrow P or Q, which also can improve the rigidity of the second case 2 against the pressing force that is applied during the turning of the second case 2. Thus, it is possible to improve the rigidity of the second case 2 as it is opened and closed.

3. Effects of this Embodiment and Others

In this embodiment, the opening/closing hinges 3 and the rotating hinge 7 are located independently at separate positions. Therefore, when the second case 2 is opened and closed, the load applied to the rotating hinge 7 can be reduced. As disclosed in JP 2004-094647 A, if a single hinge is used for both the opening/closing motion and the rotating motion of the second case (i.e., a two-axis hinge structure), the rotating hinge portion is subjected to a load every time the second case is opened and closed. Thus, the rotating hinge portion is likely to rattle. In particular, this problem becomes more prominent as the mass of the second case 2 increases, since the second case 2 initiates the opening/closing motion and the rotating motion. In this embodiment, the opening/closing hinges 3 are disposed on both ends of the connection portion of the first case 1 and the second case 2, and the rotating hinge 7 is disposed substantially in the middle of the connection portion of the first case 1 and the second case 2. Moreover, the opening/closing hinges 3 and the rotating hinge 7 are coupled via the hinge support 8. This configuration can reduce the load applied to the rotating hinge 7 during the opening/closing motion of the second case 2, thereby suppressing the occurrence of a rattle in the rotating hinge 7.

In this embodiment, the opening/closing axis A1 is located at a position lower than the top surface 1 a of the first case 1, as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the notebook computer in the third state of this embodiment. With this configuration, when the notebook computer is in the first state (see FIG. 1), the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2 is positioned lower than the top surface 1 a of the first case 1. Next, the second case 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow C around the rotation axis C1 from this state. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, a portion of the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2 that is near the rotating hinge 7 is put on the top surface 1 a of the first case 1, and the second case 2 tilts slightly in the direction of the arrow G. Therefore, a sufficient space is provided between the corner 2 c of the second case 2 and the top surface 1 a of the first case 1. This can prevent the corner 2 c from coming into contact with the top surface 1 a of the first case for the pointing device 6. Thus, this also can prevent the top surface 1 a of the first case 1 and the pointing device 6 from being damaged.

In this embodiment, the hinge support 8 is provided as shown in FIG. 7, and the opening/closing axis A1 and the rotation axis C1 are arranged so as to pass through the hinge support 8. Therefore, a large frame width W1 of the front surface 2 a of the second case 2 can be exposed uniformly over the entire length of the hinge support 8, which can improve the rigidity of the second case 2. When a user holds at least one of a pair of short sides of the second case 2 and rotates the second case 2, a force applied to the second case 2 tends to bend the long side. In the configuration disclosed in JP 2004-094647 A, the opening/closing axis is located at a position higher than the top surface of the main unit (corresponding to the first case 1 of this embodiment). Accordingly, the display unit (corresponding to the second case 2 of this embodiment) should have the hollow leg portions (represented by 11 a and 11 b in JP 2004-094647 A) to arrange the opening/closing axis. Due to the presence of the hollow leg portions, the frame width becomes narrow in some portions of the front surface of the display unit housing other than the opening. Therefore, the flexural rigidity of the display unit is reduced. In this embodiment, since the opening/closing axis A1 and the rotating axis C1 are arranged so as to pass through the hinge support 8, the frame width W1 of the front surface 2 a of the second case 2 can be large and uniform. Thus, the flexural rigidity of the second case 2 can be improved.

The configuration in this embodiment prevents contact between the corner 2 c of the second case 2 and the top surface 1 a of the first case 1 or the pointing device 6. The configuration also can prevent contact between the corner 2 c of the second case 2 and the keyboard 5 if the rotation angle of the second case 2 with respect to the rust case 1 is small, if the long side of the second case 2 is short, and/or if the keyboard 5 is provided in a portion of the top surface 1 a of the first case 1 that is closer to the side 1 b (see FIG. 1).

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of a notebook computer of this embodiment. FIG. 11A is a side view of the notebook computer shown in FIG. 10 when it is in the third state. FIG. 11B is an enlarged view showing the main portion of the notebook computer shown in FIG. 11A. The notebook computer shown in FIG. 10 etc. includes a protective sheet 40 that is disposed on the top surface 1 a of the first case 1 in the vicinity of the rotating hinge 7. The protective sheet 40 has a predetermined thickness so that the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2 can come into contact with or slide over the protective sheet 40 when the notebook computer is in the third state. Moreover, when the second case 2 comes into contact with or slides over the protective sheet 40, the protective sheet 40 prevents the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2 from being scratched and suppresses the generation of an unusual sound. From this point of view, the protective sheet 40 preferably is made of a flexible material. It is also desirable that the protective sheet 40 is made of a material with surface lubricity such as a polyacetal resin or the like. In this embodiment, the protective sheet 40 is made of, e.g., a polycarbonate resin. The protective sheet 40 is bonded to the top surface 1 a of the first case 1 between the rotating hinge 7 and the keyboard 5 with a double-faced adhesive tape. As shown in FIG. 11B, the thickness T1 of the protective sheet 40 may be determined so that the position of the top of a surface 40 a of the protective sheet 40 bonded to the top surface 1 a of the first case 1 is the same as or higher than that of a top surface 5 a of the keyboard 5. In other words, the thickness T1 of the protective sheet 40 (i.e., the height from the top surface 1 a of the first case 1 to the top of the surface 40 a of the protective sheet 40 bonded to the top surface 1 a), a height T2 from the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2 to the top surface 1 a of the first case 1, and a height T3 from the top surface 1 a of the first case 1 to the top surface 5 a of the keyboard 5 have the following relationship:

T3<T2≦T1.

In this case, the representation of the height T2 is omitted, since the top surface 1 a is substantially flush with the lower surface 2 b. Similarly, the representation of the height T3 is omitted, since the top surface 1 a is substantially flush with the top surface 5 a. By using the protective sheet 40 with this relationship, when the notebook computer is in the third state shown in FIG. 11A, a sufficient space can be provided between the corner 2 c of the second case 2 and the top surface 5 a of the keyboard 5. Moreover, a sufficient space also can be provided between the corner 2 c of the second case 2 and the top surface 1 a of the first case 1 or the pointing device 6.

FIG. 12 is a side view showing the configuration of a notebook computer with a protective member 41 of this embodiment. The protective member 41 is disposed near one end of the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2 in the longitudinal direction. The protective member 41 serves to prevent the top surface 1 a of the first case 1, the top surface 5 a of the keyboard 5, or the pointing device 6 from being damaged when the notebook computer is in the third state. Moreover, when the second case 2 comes into contact with or slides over the top surface 1 a of the first case 1 or the like, the protective member 41 prevents the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2 from being scratched and suppresses the generation of an unusual sound. From this point of view, the protective member 41 preferably is made of a flexible material. In this embodiment, the protective member 41 is made of, e.g., a polycarbonate resin. As shown in FIG. 12, when the notebook computer is in the third state, and a force is applied to the second case 2 in the direction of the arrow H, the corner 2 c of the second case 2 can come into contact with the top surface 1 a of the first case 1, the top surface 5 a of the keyboard 5, or the pointing device 6. In general, the case of the notebook computer is made of metal or cured resin. Therefore, if the corner 2 c of the second case 2 comes into contact with the top surface 1 a of the first case 1, the top surface 5 a of the keyboard 5, or the pointing device 6, they may be damaged. In the configuration shown in FIG. 12, the protective member 41 is located in a portion (i.e., the corner 2 c) of the second case 2 that can come into contact with the first case 1, the keyboard 5, and the pointing device 6, thereby preventing the top surface 1 a or the like from being damaged.

When the second case 2 is rotated around the rotation axis C1 while the opening/closing angle of the second case 2 in the first state of the notebook computer is less than 90 degrees, the protective member 41 also can prevent the top surface 1 a of the first case 1 or the like from being damaged by the second case 2. That is, when the second case 2 is rotated around the rotation axis C1 while the opening/closing angle of the second case 2 in the first state of the notebook computer is less than 90 degrees, it is highly probable that the corner 2 c (see FIG. 11A) of the second case 2 will slide in contact with the top surface 1 a of the first case 1 or the keyboard 5 during the rotation of the second case 2. If the corner 2 c (see FIG. 11A) of the second case 2 slides across the top surface 1 a of the first case 1 or the keyboard 5, they may be damaged, or characters printed on the key top of the keyboard 5 may be removed. In this embodiment, the protective member 41 is located on the corner 2 c (see FIG. 11A) of the second case 2. Therefore, even if the second case 2 is rotated around the rotation axis C1 while the opening/closing angle of the second case 2 in the first state of the notebook computer is less than 90 degrees, the protective member 41 slides in contact with the top surface 1 a of the first case 1 or the keyboard 5 during the rotation of the second case 2. Thus, it is possible to prevent damage to the top surface 1 a of the first case 1 or the keyboard 5 and the removal of the characters printed on the key top of the keyboard 5.

The protective member 41 shown in FIG. 12 is disposed only on one end of the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2 in the longitudinal direction. This is because the rotation direction of the second case 2 transferred from the first state to the fourth state is limited to the direction of the arrow C. As in the case of this embodiment, when the rotation direction of the second case 2 transferred from the first state to the fourth state is limited to one direction, only one end of the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2 in the longitudinal direction passes over the top surface 1 a of the first case 1 and the other end does not pass over the top surface 1 a of the first case 1 during the rotation of the second case 2. Similarly, the rotation direction of the second case 2 transferred from the fourth state to the first state is limited to the direction of the arrow D. Therefore, only one end of the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2 in the longitudinal direction passes over the top surface 1 a of the first case 1 and the other end does not pass over the top surface 1 a of the first case 1 during the rotation of the second case 2. Accordingly, the protective member 41 does not need to be disposed on the other end of the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2 in the longitudinal direction, but only needs to be disposed on one end. If a rotating hinge is provided that allows the second case 2 to be rotated in both directions of the arrows C and D during the transition from the first state to the fourth state, it is preferable that the protective members 41 are disposed on both ends of the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2 in the longitudinal direction.

The first case 1 and the second case 2 of this embodiment are examples of the cases. The opening/closing hinge 3 of this embodiment is an example of the first hinge portion. The rotating hinge 7 of this embodiment is an example of the second hinge portion. The hinge support 8 of this embodiment is an example of the hinge holding portion. The protective sheet 40 of this embodiment is an example of the first protective member. The protective member 41 of this embodiment is an example of the second protective member. The front surface 2 a and the back surface 2 g of this embodiment are examples of a pair of principal planes. The upper surface 2 h and the lower surface 2 b, and the first side 2 i and the second side 2 j of this embodiment are examples of two pairs of sides.

Embodiment 2

The electronic apparatus disclosed in JP 2004-094647 A does not have a mechanism for selectively inhibiting the rotating motion of the display unit. Therefore, e.g., if a user holds the side of the display unit and opens or closes the display unit, the display unit can be rotated accidentally. When the display unit is rotated while the opening/closing angle is not large enough for the display unit to be rotated, the corner of the display unit can come into contact with the top surface of the main unit and damage it, resulting in poor usability.

An electronic apparatus of Embodiment 2 has a configuration that can overcome the above disadvantages of the configuration as disclosed in JP 2004-094647 A.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a notebook computer that is an example of the electronic apparatus of this embodiment. FIG. 13 shows the notebook computer in the first state. FIG. 14 shows the notebook computer in the second state. In the notebook computer shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the same components as those of the notebook computer shown in FIG. 1 etc. are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed explanation will not be repeated. Although not shown, the notebook computer of Embodiment 2 can assume the third state shown in FIG. 3, the fourth state shown in FIG. 4, and the fifth state shown in FIG. 5 in addition to the first state shown in FIG. 13 and the second state shown in FIG. 14. To achieve the transition between the first state, the second state, the third state, the fourth state, and the fifth state of the notebook computer of Embodiment 2, the second case 2 is supported on the first case 1 by a two-axis hinge mechanism 17. The two-axis hinge mechanism 17 is well known as disclosed, e.g., in JP 2006-10025 A, and therefore the detailed description will be omitted.

The notebook computer shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 differs from the notebook computer shown in FIG. 1 etc. in that the hinge support 8 (see FIG. 2 etc.) is removed.

This embodiment describes the notebook computer as an example of the electronic apparatus. However, the electronic apparatus also may be a folding portable telephone, a folding electronic game machine, a folding electronic dictionary terminal, or the like. There is no particular limitation to the electronic apparatus as long as it includes at least two or more cases and a hinge mechanism for supporting the cases openably, closably, and rotatably.

FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the vicinity of a connection portion of the first case 1 and the second case 2. FIG. 16 is a front view of the notebook computer in the first state. In FIG. 15, for the sake of clarity, the representation of the two-axis hinge mechanism 17 is omitted. FIG. 15 shows a hole 1 e, through which a part of the two-axis hinge mechanism 17 is inserted.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the first case 1 includes two projections 151 and 152. The projections 151 and 152 protrude from the top surface 1 a of the first case 1. The projections 151 and 152 are located at the positions that face the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2 when the notebook computer assumes the first state, as shown in FIG. 13.

When the notebook computer is in the first state (see FIG. 13) or the fourth state (see FIG. 4), the projections 151 and 152 can be fitted in recesses 2 d and 2 e that are formed in the lower surface 2 b (see FIG. 16) of the second case 2. The projections 151 and 152 preferably are made of a resin material so as to prevent the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2 from being scratched and suppress the generation of an unusual sound as they are fitted in the recesses 2 d and 2 e. In this embodiment, the projections 151 and 152 are made of, e.g., a polycarbonate resin. The projections 151 and 152 preferably are hemispherical or conical in shape, so that they can be fitted smoothly in the recesses 2 d and 2 e. In this embodiment, the projections 151 and 152 are in the form of a hemisphere.

The projections 151 and 152 are deformable from a protruding position shown in FIG. 16 in the direction of the arrow I, and are biased toward the protruding position with a biasing means (not shown) such as a spring contained in the first case 1.

The biasing means is not essential. For example, when the projections 151 and 152 are separated from the recesses 2 d and 2 e and pressed against the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2, and the portions of the lower surface 2 b in contact with the projections 151 and 152 are made of an elastically deformable material, the biasing means will not be necessary. In this case, although scratches on the lower surface 2 b made by the projections 151 and 152 can be reduced, the position of the second case 2 may be unstable in the first state or the fourth state of the notebook computer. However, by forming the projections 151 and 152 to have the lowest possible height, if a force is applied to the projections 151 and 152 in the horizontal direction (i.e., the plane direction of the top surface 1 of the first case 1), their deformations can be minimized. Therefore, the second case 2 can be positioned stably when the projections 151 and 152 are fitted in the recesses 2 d and 2 e.

As shown in FIG. 16, the projections 151 and 152 are spaced at the same distance (L12=L13) from a rotation axis C11 of the two-axis hinge mechanism 17. Moreover, the recesses 2 d and 2 e formed in the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2 are spaced at the same distance (L12=L13) from the rotation axis C11 of the two-axis hinge mechanism 17. With this configuration, when the second case 2 is in the first state (see FIG. 13) or the second state (see FIG. 14), the projection 151 can be fitted in the recess 2 d and the projection 152 can be fitted in the recess 2 e. On the other hand, when the second case 2 is in the fourth state (see FIG. 4) or the fifth state (see FIG. 5), the projection 151 can be fitted in the recess 2 e and the projection 152 can be fitted in the recess 2 d.

It is preferable that the fitting positions of the projections 151 and 152 and the recesses 2 d and 2 e are located in the middle between the rotation axis C11 and one end of the second case 2 in the width direction and between the rotation axis C11 and the other end. As shown in FIG. 16, when a length of the long side of the second case 2 is represented by L11, a distance between the rotation axis C11 and the projection 151 is represented by L12, and a distance between the rotation axis C11 and the projection 152 is represented by L13, the ratio of the distance (L12+L13) to the length L11 is determined by

K=(L12+L13)/L11.

It is preferable that the projections 151 and 152 are located so that the ratio K falls in the following range:

0.4≦K≦0.7,

where L12=L13.

In this embodiment, K=0.6.

As described above, the fitting positions of the projections 151 and 152 and the recesses 2 d and 2 e are located at the distances L12 and L13 from the rotation axis C11, respectively. Therefore, even if there is a mechanical rattle in the two-axis hinge mechanism 17, the rattle of the second case 2 can be suppressed, and thus the position of the second case 2 relative to the first case 1 can be stabilized. If the fitting positions of the projections 151 and 152 and the recesses 2 d and 2 e are located so that the distances L12 and L13 are short, i.e., the ratio K is less than 0.4, the rattle of the second case 2 cannot be suppressed sufficiently when the two-axis hinge mechanism 17 causes a mechanical rattle. Accordingly, it is preferable that the fitting positions of the projections 151 and 152 and the recesses 2 d and 2 e are located so that the ratio K is 0.4 or more, as described above, because the rattle of the second case 2 can be reduced.

Moreover, if the fitting positions of the projections 151 and 152 and the recesses 2 d and 2 e are located at the ends of the second case 2 in the longitudinal direction, and the second case 2 is distorted, e.g., by the application of a large pressing force, the projections 151 and 152 may not be fitted in the recesses 2 d and 2 e. In this embodiment, the fitting positions of the projections 151 and 152 and the recesses 2 d and 2 e are located so that the ratio K is 0.7 or less. Therefore, even if the second case 2 is distorted, e.g., by the application of a large pressing force, it is possible to reduce the chance that the projections 151 and 152 cannot be fitted in the recesses 2 d and 2 e.

Hereinafter, the motion will be described.

As shown in FIG. 16, when the notebook computer is in the first state, the projections 151 and 152 are fitted in the recesses 2 d and 2 e formed in the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2, respectively. This can stabilize the position of the second case 2 relative to the first case 1 around the rotation axis C11.

When the second case 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow C around the rotation axis C11 from the first state (see FIG. 13), the projection 151 is separated from the recess 2 d, pressed against the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2, and thus deformed in the direction of the arrow I. Similarly, the projection 152 is separated from the recess 2 e, pressed against the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2, and thus deformed in the direction of the arrow I. Subsequently, when the second case 2 continues to be rotated and reaches the position in the third state (see FIG. 3), the projections 151 and 152 are released from the pressure applied by the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2, and then are pressed and deformed toward the protruding position with the biasing means (not shown).

When the second case 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow C around the rotation axis C11 from the third state (see FIG. 3), the projections 151 and 152 are pressed against the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2 and deformed in the direction of the arrow I (see FIG. 16). Subsequently, when the second case 2 is rotated further and transferred to the fourth state (see FIG. 4), the projection 151 is deformed toward the protruding position with the biasing means (not shown) contained in the first case 1, and then is fitted in the recess 2 e. Similarly, the projection 152 is deformed toward the protruding position with the biasing means (not shown) contained in the first case 1, and then is fitted in the recess 2 d. Thus, the position of the second case 2 relative to the first case 1 around the rotation axis C11 can be stabilized.

The motion of the projections 151 and 152 when the second case 2 is rotated from the position in the fourth state (see FIG. 4) to that in the first state (see FIG. 1) is the same as described above.

The second case 2 is opened and closed while being supported by the two-axis hinge mechanism 17. Therefore, during the transition from the first state to the second state, the projection 151 is separated from the recess 2 d and the projection 152 is separated from the recess 2 e. Moreover, during the transition from the fourth state to the fifth state, the projection 151 is separated from the recess 2 e and the projection 152 is separated from the recess 2 d.

In this embodiment, the projections 151 and 152 are located in the middle between the rotation axis C11 of the two-axis hinge mechanism 17 and one end of the second case 2 in the longitudinal direction and between the rotation axis C11 and the other end. Therefore, even if there is a mechanical rattle in the two-axis hinge mechanism 17, the position of the second case 2 can be stabilized in both the first state and the fourth state. Moreover, even if there is a distortion such as warpage in the second case 2, it is possible to increase the chance that the projections 151 and 152 can be fitted in the recesses 2 d and 2 e.

In this embodiment, the projections 151 and 152 are located symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis C11. Therefore, positioning can be performed when the second case 2 is located at the position in the first state and at the position in the fourth state. Thus, the projections 151 and 152 and the recesses 2 d and 2 e can be used in both the first state and the fourth state, so that the number of projections can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the second case 2 has the recesses 2 d and 2 e, and the first case 1 has the projections 151 and 152. However, the second case 2 may have projections corresponding to the projections 151 and 152, and the first case 1 may have recesses corresponding to the recesses 2 d and 2 e.

In this embodiment, the projections are provided in two places and the recesses are provided in two places. However, the projection may be provided only in one place. That is, a configuration of this embodiment may include the projection 151 and the recesses 2 d and 2 e. With this configuration, the projection 151 can be fitted in the recess 2 d in the first state or the second state of the notebook computer, and also fitted in the recess 2 e in the fourth state or the fifth state of the notebook computer. Therefore, the positioning of the second case 2 with respect to the first case 1 can be performed. However, in this configuration, the distance between the projection 151 and the rotation axis C11, the distance between the recess 2 d and the rotation axis C11, and the distance between the recess 2 e and the rotation axis C11 should be the same. The combination of the projection 152 and the recesses 2 d and 2 e also functions in the same manner.

In this embodiment, the projections 151 and 152 are fitted in the recesses 2 d and 2 e, thereby performing the positioning of the second case 2. However, in this configuration, the projections 151 and 152 detach relatively easily from the recesses 2 e and 2 e. Some users have little opportunity to rotate the second case 2 around the rotation axis C11. If there is little opportunity to rotate the second case 2, it is preferable that the configuration includes a mechanism for inhibiting the rotation of the second case 2.

Embodiment 3

The electronic apparatus disclosed in JP 2004-094647 A does not have a mechanism for selectively inhibiting the rotating motion of the display unit. Therefore, e.g., if a user holds the side of the display unit and opens or closes the display unit, the display unit can be rotated accidentally. When the display unit is rotated while the opening/closing angle is not large enough for the display unit to be rotated, the corner of the display unit can come into contact with the top surface of the main unit and damage it, resulting in poor usability.

An electronic apparatus of Embodiment 3 has a configuration that can overcome the above disadvantages of the configuration as disclosed in JP 2004-094647 A.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of the first case 1 and the hinge support 8. In FIG. 17, to illustrate the configuration of the hinge support 8 clearly, the representation of the second case 2 or the like is omitted. FIG. 18 is a front view of the second case 2 and the hinge support 8. In FIG. 18, a part of the second case is illustrated in a cross-sectional view.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the hinge support 8 includes two projections 51 and 52. The projections 51 and 52 protrude from an upper surface of the hinge support 8. The “upper surface of the hinge support 8” is the surface of the hinge support 8 that faces in the same direction as the upper surface 2 h of the second case 2. The hinge support 8 has a hole 8 a, through which the shaft 33 (see FIG. 9D) of the rotating hinge 7 is inserted.

When the notebook computer is in the first state of the fourth state, the projections 51 and 52 can be fitted in recesses 2 d and 2 e that are formed in the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2. The projections 51 and 52 preferably are made of a resin material so as to prevent the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2 from being scratched and suppress the generation of an unusual sound as they are fitted in the recesses 2 d and 2 e. In this embodiment, the projections 51 and 52 are made of, e.g., a polycarbonate resin. The projections 51 and 52 preferably are hemispherical or conical in shape, so that they can be fitted smoothly in the recesses 2 d and 2 e. In this embodiment, the projections 51 and 52 are in the form of a hemisphere.

The projections 51 and 52 are deformable from a protruding position shown in FIG. 18 in the direction of the arrow I, and are biased toward the protruding position with a biasing means (not shown) such as a spring contained in the hinge support 8.

The biasing means is not essential. For example, when the projections 51 and 52 are separated from the recesses 2 d and 2 e and pressed against the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2, and the portions of the lower surfaces 2 b in contact with the projections 51 and 52 are made of an elastically deformable material, the biasing means will not be necessary. In this case, although scratches on the lower surface 2 b made by the projections 51 and 52 can be reduced, the position of the second case 2 may be unstable in the first state or the fourth state of the notebook computer. However, by forming the projections 51 and 52 to have the lowest possible height, if a force is applied to the projections 51 and 52 in the horizontal direction (i.e., the plane direction of the top surface 1 a of the first case 1), their deformations can be minimized. Therefore, the second case 2 can be positioned stably when the projections 51 and 52 are fitted in the recesses 2 d and 2 e.

As shown in FIG. 18, the projections 51 and 52 are spaced at the same distance (L2=L3) from the rotation axis C1 of the rotating hinge 7. Moreover, the recesses 2 d and 2 e formed in the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2 are spaced at the same distance (L2=L3) from the rotation axis C1 of the rotating hinge 7. With this configuration, when the second case 2 is in the first state (see FIG. 1) or the second state (see FIG. 2), the projection 51 can be fitted in the recess 2 d and the projection 52 can be fitted in the recess 2 e. On the other hand, when the second case 2 is in the fourth state (see FIG. 4) or the fifth state (see FIG. 5), the projection 51 can be fitted in the recess 2 e and the projection 52 can be fitted in the recess 2 d.

It is preferable that the fitting positions of the projections 51 and 52 and the recesses 2 d and 2 e are located in the middle between the rotation axis C1 and one end of the second case 2 in the width direction and between the rotation axis C1 and the other end. As shown in FIG. 18, when a length of the long side of the second case 2 is represented by L1, a distance between the rotation axis C1 and the projection 51 is represented by L2, and a distance between the rotation axis C1 and the projection 52 is represented by L3, the ratio of the distance (L2+L3) to the length L1 is determined by

K=(L2+L3)/L1.

It is preferable that the projections 51 and 52 are located so that the ratio K falls in the following range:

0.4≦K≦0.7,

where L2=L3.

In this embodiment, K=0.6.

As described above, the fitting positions of the projections 51 and 52 and the recesses 2 d and 2 e are located at the distances L2 and L3 from the rotation axis C1, respectively. Therefore, even if there is a mechanical rattle in the rotating hinge 7, the rattle of the second case 2 can be suppressed, and thus the position of the second case 2 relative to the hinge support 8 can be stabilized. If the fitting positions of the projections 51 and 52 and the recesses 2 d and 2 e are located so that the distances L2 and L3 are short, i.e., the ratio K is less than 0.4, the rattle of the second case 2 cannot be suppressed sufficiently when the rotating hinge 7 causes a mechanical rattle. Accordingly, it is preferable that the fitting positions of the projections 51 and 52 and the recesses 2 d and 2 e are located so that the ratio K is 0.4 or more, as described above, because the rattle of the second case 2 can be reduced.

Moreover, if the fitting positions of the projections 51 and 52 and the recesses 2 d and 2 e are located at the ends of the second case 2 in the longitudinal direction, and the second case 2 is distorted, e.g., by the application of a large pressing force, the projections 51 and 52 may not be fitted in the recesses 2 d and 2 e. In this embodiment, the fitting positions of the projections 51 and 52 and the recesses 2 d and 2 e are located so that the ratio K is 0.7 or less. Therefore, even if the second case 2 is distorted, e.g., by the application of a large pressing force, it is possible to reduce the chance that the projections 51 and 52 cannot be fitted in the recesses 2 d and 2 e.

Hereinafter, the motion will be described.

As shown in FIG. 18, when the notebook computer is in the first state, the projection 51 and 52 are fitted in the recesses 2 d and 2 e formed in the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2, respectively. This can stabilize the position of the second case 2 relative to the hinge support 8 around the rotation axis C1.

When the second case 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow C around the rotation axis C1 from the first state (see FIG. 1), the projection 51 is separated from the recess 2 d, pressed against the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2, and thus deformed in the direction of the arrow I. Similarly, the projection 52 is separated from the recess 2 e, pressed against the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2, and thus deformed in the direction of the arrow I. Subsequently, when the second case 2 continues to be rotated and reaches the position in the third state (see FIG. 3), the projections 51 and 52 are released from the pressure applied by the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2, and then are pressed and deformed toward the protruding position with the biasing means (not shown).

When the second case 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow C around the rotation axis C1 from the third state (see FIG. 3), the projections 51 and 52 are pressed against the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2 and deformed in the direction of the arrow I (see FIG. 18). Subsequently, when the second case 2 is rotated further and transferred to the fourth state (see FIG. 4), the projection 51 is deformed toward the protruding position with the biasing means (not shown) contained in the hinge support 8, and then is fitted in the recess 2 e. Similarly, the projection 52 is deformed toward the protruding position with the biasing means (not shown) contained in the hinge support 8, and then is fitted in the recess 2 d. Thus, the position of the second case 2 relative to the hinge support 8 around the rotation axis C1 can be stabilized.

The motion of the projections 51 and 52 when the second case 2 is rotated from the position in the fourth state (see FIG. 4) to that in the first state (see FIG. 1) is the same as described above.

The second case 2 is opened and closed together with the hinge support 8. Therefore, during the opening/closing motion between the first state and the second state, the projection 51 is fitted in the recess 2 d and the projection 52 is fitted in the recess 2 e. Moreover, during the opening/closing motion between the fourth state and the fifth state, the projection 51 if fitted in the recess 2 e and the projection 52 is fitted in the recess 2 d.

In this embodiment, the opening/closing hinges 3 and the rotating hinge 7 are located independently at separate positions. Therefore, when the second case 2 is opened and closed, the load applied to the rotating hinge 7 can be reduced. As disclosed in JP 2004-094647 A, if a single hinge is used for both the opening/closing motion and the rotating motion of the second case (i.e., a two-axis hinge structure), the rotating hinge portion is subjected to a load every time the second case is opened and closed. Thus, the rotating hinge portion is likely to rattle. In this embodiment, the opening/closing hinges 3 are disposed on both ends of the connection portion of the first easel and the second case 2, and the rotating hinge 7 is disposed substantially in the middle of the connection portion of the first case 1 and the second case 2. This configuration can reduce the load applied to the rotating hinge 7 during the opening/closing motion of the second case 2, thereby suppressing the occurrence of a rattle in the rotating hinge 7.

In this embodiment, the projections 51 and 52 are located in the middle between the rotation axis C1 of the rotating hinge 7 and one end of the second case 2 in the longitudinal direction and between the rotation axis C1 and the other end. Therefore, even if there is a mechanical rattle in the rotating hinge 7, the position of the second case 2 can be stabilized in both the first state and the fourth state. Moreover, even if there is a distortion such as warpage in the second case 2, it is possible to increase the chance that the projections 51 and 52 can be fitted in the recesses 2 d and 2 e.

In this embodiment, the projections 51 and 52 are located symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis C1. Therefore, positioning can be performed when the second case 2 is located at the position in the first state and at the position in the fourth state. Thus, the projections 51 and 52 and the recesses 2 d and 2 e can be used in both the first state and the fourth state, so that the number of projections can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the second case 2 has the recesses 2 d and 2 e, and the hinge support 8 has the projections 51 and 52. However, the second case 2 may have projections corresponding to the projections 51 and 52, and the hinge support 8 may have recesses corresponding to the recesses 2 d and 2 e.

In this embodiment, the projections are provided in two places and the recesses are provided in two places. However, the projection may be provided only in one place. That is, a configuration of this embodiment may include the projection 51 and the recesses 2 d and 2 e. With this configuration, the projection 51 can be fitted in the recess 2 d in the first state or the second state of the notebook computer, and also fitted in the recess 2 e in the fourth state or the fifth state of the notebook computer. Therefore, the positioning of the second case 2 with respect to the first case 1 can be performed. However, in this configuration, the distance between the projection 51 and the rotation axis C1, the distance between the recess 2 d and the rotation axis C1, and the distance between the recess 2 e and the rotation axis C1 should be the same. The combination of the projection 52 and the recesses 2 d and 2 e also functions in the same manner.

In this embodiment, the projections 51 and 52 are fitted in the recesses 2 d and 2 e, thereby performing the positioning of the second case 2. However, in this configuration, the projections 51 and 52 detach relatively easily from the recesses 2 d and 2 e. Some users have little opportunity to rotate the second case 2 around the rotation axis C1. If there is little opportunity to rotate the second case 2, it is preferable that the configuration includes a mechanism for inhibiting the rotation of the second case 2.

FIG. 19A is a front view of the second case 2 and the hinge support 8 in the notebook computer including a rotation restraining member (slide lever 61). FIGS. 19B and 19C are cross-sectional views showing the main portion in the vicinity of the rotation restraining member in FIG. 19A. In FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C, the portion in the vicinity of the rotation restraining member is illustrated in a cross-sectional view. FIGS. 20A and 20B are cross-sectional views taken along the line W-W in FIG. 19A. FIGS. 19B and 20A show a state in which the rotation restraining member is retracted into the second case 2 (referred to as a retracted position in the following). FIGS. 19C and 20B show a state in which a part of the rotation restraining member is extended from the second case 2 (referred to as an extended position in the following).

The second case 2 includes the slide lever 61 serving as the rotation restraining member. A part of the slide lever 61 is exposed from a hole 2 f formed in the front surface 2 a of the second case 2. The slide lever 61 is held in the second case 2 with screws 63. The slide lever 61 has long holes, and the screws 63 are inserted through the long holes, respectively. Thus, the slide lever 61 can be moved in the direction of the arrow M or N. Moreover, a restraining axis 62 is provided integrally with the slide lever 61. The restraining axis 62 is retracted into the second case 2 when the slide lever 61 is at the retracted position, as shown in FIGS. 19B and 20A, and is extended from the second case 2 when the slide lever 61 is at the extended position, as shown in FIGS. 19C and 20B. The slide lever 61 is positioned with a restraining means (not shown) such as a leaf spring at the retracted position (see FIGS. 19B and 20A) and the extended position (see FIGS. 19C and 20B).

Hereinafter, the motion will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 19B and 20A, when the slide lever 61 is at the retracted position, the restraining axis 62 is retracted into the second case 2. In this case, the second case 2 is allowed to rotate around the rotation axis C1.

When the second case 2 is located at the position in the first state (see FIG. 1) or at the position in the fourth state (see FIG. 4), and the slide lever 61 slides in the direction of the arrow M from the retracted position shown in FIGS. 19B and 20A to the position shown in FIGS. 19C and 20B, the restraining axis 62 is extended from the second case 2 and inserted into a hole 8 b formed in the hinge support 8. Consequently, the second case 2 is not allowed to rotate in either of the directions of the arrows C and D around the rotation axis C1.

As shown in FIGS. 19C and 20B, when the restraining axis 62 is inserted into the hole 8 b of the hinge support 8, and the slide lever 61 slides in the direction of the arrow N, the restraining axis 62 is separated from the hole 8 b, as shown in FIGS. 19B and 20A. Consequently, the second case 2 is allowed to rotate in both of the directions of the arrows C and D around the rotation axis C1.

When the slide lever 61 is moved to the retracted position shown in FIGS. 19B and 20A, and the restraining axis 62 is extended even slightly from the second case 2, the restraining axis 62 can come into contact with or get caught on other parts during the rotation of the second case 2 around the rotation axis C1. In this embodiment, when the slide lever 61 is moved to the retracted position shown in FIGS. 19B and 20A, the restraining axis 62 is not extended from, but is retracted into the second case 2. Thus, the restraining axis 62 will not come into contact with or get caught on other parts during the rotation of the second case 2 around the rotation axis C1.

The use of the slide lever 61 and the restraining axis 62 can prevent the problem of the corner of the second case 2 coming into contact with the top surface of the first case 1 and damaging the first case 1. In a structure in which the second case 2 can be rotated easily, if the second case 2 is rotated at a small opening/closing angle (e.g., less than 90 degrees), the corner of the second case 2 can come into contact with the top surface 1 a of the first case 1 and damage the first case 1. In this embodiment, the slide lever 61 and the restraining axis 62 can inhibit the rotation of the second case 2, and thus can prevent the first case 1 from being damaged by the corner of the second case 2.

The first case 1 and the second case 2 of this embodiment are examples of the cases. The opening/closing hinge 3 of this embodiment is an example of the first hinge portion. The rotating hinge 7 of this embodiment is an example of the second hinge portion. The hinge support 8 of this embodiment is an example of the hinge holding portion. The protective sheet 40 of this embodiment is an example of the first protective member. The protective member 41 of this embodiment is an example of the second protective member. The recesses 2 d and 2 e of this embodiment are examples of the first recess and the second recess. The projections 51 and 52 of this embodiment are examples of the first projection and the second projection. The slide lever 61 and the restraining axis 62 of this embodiment are examples of the rotation restraining member.

Embodiment 4

In the electronic apparatus disclosed in JP 2004-094647 A, when the display unit is rotated around the axis X1 while the opening/closing angle between the main unit and the display unit is less than 90 degrees (e.g., the position of the display unit relative to the main unit as shown in FIG. 3 of JP 2004-094647 A), the display unit comes into contact with the keyboard or the like, and thus the display unit, the keyboard, or the like may be damaged. To prevent the display unit from coming into contact with the keyboard or the like during rotation, the display unit should be rotated after being adjusted at an opening/closing angle suitable for rotation (e.g., 90 degrees). However, it is difficult to adjust the display unit accurately.

An electronic apparatus of Embodiment 4 includes opening/closing hinges that can overcome the above disadvantages of the configuration as disclosed in JP 2004-094647 A. The configuration other than the opening/closing hinges of the electronic apparatus of Embodiment 4 is the same as that of the electronic apparatus of Embodiment 1 or 3, and therefore the detailed explanation will not be repeated. Embodiment 4 is characterized by the configuration of the opening/closing hinges.

[1. Configuration of the Opening/Closing Hinges 3]

FIG. 21 is a plan view showing the main portion of the internal structure of the opening/closing hinge 3. In FIG. 21, for the sake of clarity, a part of the first case 1 and the second case 2 is illustrated in a cross-sectional view. For convenience of description, FIG. 21 shows a state in which the second case 2 is turned further in the direction of the arrow B from the first state (see FIG. 1) and forms an angle of about 180 degrees with respect to the first case 1. FIG. 22A is a side view of a notebook computer in the second state. FIG. 22B is a side view of the notebook computer in the first state. FIG. 23A is a plan view of the opening/closing hinge 3 when the notebook computer is in the second state. FIG. 23B is a plan view of the opening/closing hinge 3 when the notebook computer is in the first state.

As shown in FIG. 21, the opening/closing hinge 3 includes a hinge mechanism 10. The hinge mechanism 10 includes a shaft 11, a fifth support member 112, a second support member 13, and a second torque mechanism 114.

The shaft 11 can be rotated in the direction of the arrow A or B around a line A1 in accordance with the opening/closing motion of the second case 2 in the direction of the arrow A or B. It is preferable that the shaft 11 is made of metal in view of resistance to the force applied as the first case 1 or the second case 2 is turned. In this embodiment, the shaft 11 is made of stainless steel and has a shaft diameter of about 3 to 4 mm and a shaft length of about 15 mm. However, the size and material of the shaft 11 are not limited thereto.

The fifth support member 112 is supported rotatably by the shaft 11. The fifth support member 112 is fixed to the first case 1 with screws 16. The second support member 13 is fixed to the shaft 11 with rivets or the like. The second support member 13 is fixed to the second case 2 with screws 15. Therefore, when the second case 2 is turned between the first state (see FIG. 1) and the second state (see FIG. 2), the shaft 11 is rotated together with the second case 2, and the second support member 13 also is rotated around the axis A1 of the shaft 11 together with the second case 2.

A first support 112 a is formed integrally with the fifth support member 112. The first support 112 a has a through hole, through which the shaft 11 is inserted rotatably. A second support 13 a is formed integrally with the second support member 13. The second support 13 a has a through hole, through which the shaft 11 can be inserted. The shaft 11 is inserted through the through hole of the second support 13 a and fixed to the second support 13 a with rivets or the like. In this embodiment, the opening/closing hinges 3 are disposed on both ends of the connection portion of the first case 1 and the second case 2, and their internal structures are the same. It is preferable that the fifth support member 112 and the second support member 13 be made of metal in view of resistance to the force applied as the first case 1 or the second case 2 is turned. In this embodiment, the fifth support member 112 and the second support member 13 are made of, e.g., stainless steel, but the material is not t limited thereto.

The second torque mechanism 114 is composed of a plurality of disk-shaped washers or rubber sheets and fixed to the shaft 11. In this embodiment, a through hole that allows the shaft 11 to be inserted through the washers or rubber sheets is provided, and the shaft 11 is press-fitted in the through hole. Therefore, the second torque mechanism 114 is rotated together with the shaft 11 as the shaft 11 is rotated in accordance with the turning of the second case 2. The second torque mechanism 114 includes a washer 114 a, a washer 114 b, and a rubber sheet 114 c. The washer 114 a is pressed into contact with the first support 112 a. Therefore, due to the friction between the fifth support member 112 and the second torque mechanism 114 caused by this contact, a rotational load can be applied to the second case 2. In other words, due to the friction between the fifth support member 112 and the second torque mechanism 114, the position of the second case 2 relative to the first case 1 can be maintained at any opening/closing angle. The configuration of the second torque mechanism 114 of this embodiment is merely an example, and other configurations also may be employed as long as a load can be applied to at least the rotation of the shaft 11 or the turning of the second case 2.

As shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, the first support 112 a has a concave portion 112 b, and the washer 114 a has a convex portion 114 d. The convex portion 114 d can be fitted in the concave portion 112 b. The convex portion 114 d and the concave portion 112 b are formed at the positions where they are fitted together when the opening/closing angle θ between the first case 1 and the second case 2 is 90 to 100 degrees, as shown in FIG. 22B. In other words, the convex portion 114 d and the concave portion 112 b can be used to position the second case 2 when the opening/closing angle θ between the first case 1 and the second case 2 is 90 to 100 degrees, as shown in FIG. 22B. If the second case 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow C or D shown in FIG. 1 while the opening/closing angle θ between the first case 1 and the second case 2 is less than 90 degrees, the second case 2 can hit the top surface 1 a of the first case 1 or the like. On the other hand, if the second case 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow C or D shown in FIG. 1 while the opening/closing angle θ between the first case 1 and the second case 2 is more than 100 degrees, the second case 2 can hit the surface of a desk or the like, on which the notebook computer is placed. This can make it difficult to transfer the second case 2 from the first state to the fourth or fifth state, or can cause damage to the first case 1, the second case 2, or the surface of the desk. To deal with this problem, this embodiment uses the concave portion 112 b and the convex portion 114 d to position the second case 2 at an opening/closing angle of 90 to 100 degrees. Thus, the second case 2 can be positioned lightly at an opening/closing angle of 90 to 100 degrees. When the convex portion 114 d is fitted in the concave portion 112 b, a tactile feedback can be given to the user's hand holding the second case 2 by the action of an elastic restoring force of the washer 114 a. Based on this tactile feedback, the user can recognize the opening/closing angle at which the second case 2 should be rotated. The opening/closing angle (90 to 100 degrees) at which the convex portion 114 d and the concave portion 112 b are fitted together is merely an example, and is not particularly limited as long as the second case 2 does not hit the first case 1 or the desk surface and can be transferred from the first state to the fourth state and vice versa at least when the second case 2 is rotated around the rotation axis C1 (see FIG. 1).

Hereinafter, the motion will be described.

When the second case 2 is turned in the direction of the arrow A from the position in the first state (see FIGS. 1 and 22B), the second support member 13 fixed to the second case 2 also is rotated around the opening/closing axis A1. The shaft 11 that is provided integrally with the second support member 13 is rotated in the direction of the arrow A around the opening/closing axis A1 as the second support member 13 is rotated. At this time, the second torque mechanism 114 applies a load to the rotation of the shaft 11. The second case 2 can be turned to the position in the second state (see FIGS. 2 and 22A). When the second case 2 is in the position in the second state, as shown in FIG. 23A, the convex portion 114 d is separated from the concave portion 112 b and put on the surface around the concave portion 112 b of the first support 112 a.

When the second case 2 is turned in the direction of the arrow B from the position in the second state (see FIGS. 2 and 22A), the second support member 13 fixed to the second case 2 also is rotated around the opening/closing axis A1. The shaft 11 that is provided integrally with the second support member 13 is rotated in the direction of the arrow B around the opening/closing axis A1 as the second support member 13 is rotated. At this time, the second torque mechanism 114 applies a load to the rotation of the shaft 11.

When the second case 2 is turned to the position in the first state (see FIGS. 1 and 22B), as shown in FIG. 23B, the convex portion 114 d is fitted in the concave portion 112 b. The washer 114 a vibrates by its own elastic restoring force at the time the convex portion 114 d that has been separated from the concave portion 112 b (see FIG. 23A) is fitted in the concave portion 112 b (see FIG. 23B). The vibration is transmitted to the second case 2 via the shaft 11. Moreover, the vibration is given as a tactile feedback to the user's hand holding the second case 2. Based on this tactile feedback, the user recognizes the opening/closing angle at which the second case 2 should be rotated.

If the second case 2 is intended to be turned when the convex portion 114 d is fitted in the concave portion 112 b, the convex portion 114 d is in contact with the inner surface of the concave portion 112 b and not separated easily from the concave portion 112 b. Therefore, the second case 2 can be positioned.

When at least a predetermined force is applied to the second case 2 in the direction of the arrow A or B, the washer 114 a is deformed elastically so that the convex portion 114 d is separated from the concave portion 112 b. Thus, the second case 2 can be turned in the direction of the arrow A or B from the first state.

When the second case 2 is rotated around the rotation axis C1 (see FIG. 1 etc.) from the position in the first state where the convex portion 114 d is fitted in the concave portion 112 b, as shown in FIG. 22B, the second case 2 can be transferred to the third state, as shown in FIG. 24. In this case, a space R1 can be provided between the lower surface 2 b of the second case 2 and a desk surface 100. Accordingly, the second case 2 can be prevented from hitting the desk surface 100. Moreover, a space R2 can be provided between the corner 2 c of the second case 2 and the top surface 1 a of the first case 1. Accordingly, the corner 2 c of the second case 2 can be prevented from hitting the top surface 1 a of the first case 1.

If the opening/closing angle θ of the second case 2 is more than 100 degrees, the second case 2 further tilts in the direction of the arrow G from the position shown in FIG. 24. Therefore, there is a high probability that the second case 2 will hit the desk surface 100. If the opening/closing angle θ of the second case 2 is less than 90 degrees, the second case 2 further tilts in the direction of the arrow H from the position shown in FIG. 24. Therefore, there is a high probability that the corner 2 c of the second case 2 will hit the top surface 1 a of the first case 1.

[2. Effects of this Embodiment and Others]

In this embodiment, the washer 114 a has the convex portion 114 d, the first support 112 a has the concave portion 112 b, and the convex portion 114 d is fitted in the concave portion 112 b when the opening/closing angle θ of the second case 2 is 90 to 100 degrees. With this configuration, the second case 2 can be positioned lightly at an opening/closing angle of 90 to 100 degrees. Therefore, the second case 2 can be positioned at the opening/closing angle that allows the second case 2 to be rotated. Thus, the second case 2 can be prevented from hitting the first case 1 or the desk surface during rotation.

By positioning the second case 2 at the opening/closing angle that allows the second case 2 to be rotated, wobbling of the second case 2 can be reduced when it is rotated. Therefore, the second case 2 can be rotated in the stable position and prevented from accidentally hitting the first case 1 or the desk surface during rotation.

In this embodiment, the convex portion 114 d is fitted in the concave portion 112 b when the opening/closing angle of the second case 2 is 90 to 100 degrees. With this configuration, a user can adjust the second case 2 at a desired opening/closing angle while using the notebook computer. In general, it is said that the opening/closing angle at which a user easily can see the images displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 is 110 to 120 degrees during operation of the notebook computer. If the opening/closing angle at which the convex portion 114 d is fitted in the concave portion 112 b is set to 110 to 120 degrees, it is difficult to make a fine adjustment to the opening/closing angle, since the convex portion 114 d is fitted preferentially in the concave portion 112 b at an opening/closing angle of about 110 to 120 degrees. The configuration of this embodiment in which the convex portion 114 d is fitted in the concave portion 112 b at an opening/closing angle of 90 to 100 degrees can reduce the effect on the fine adjustment of the opening/closing angle in the range of 110 to 120 degrees.

When the convex portion 114 d is fitted in the concave portion 112 b, a tactile feedback can be generated by the action of the elastic restoring force of the washer 114 a. Therefore, a user can feel the tactile feedback with the hand holding the second case 2 and easily recognize the opening/closing angle at which the second case 2 should be rotated. In other words, the user turns the second case 2 until he/she feels the tactile feedback, and then rotates the second case 2, so that the second case 2 can be transferred to the fourth state without hitting the first case 1 or the desk surface.

In this embodiment, the washer 114 a has the convex portion 114 d, and the first support 112 a has the concave portion 112 b. With this configuration, the positioning of the second case 2 can be achieved easily at low cost. Since only the shapes of the existing washer 114 a and first support 112 a have to be changed, there is neither an increase in the number of components nor a significant rise in cost.

In this embodiment, the hinge support 8 includes the opening/closing hinges 3 and the rotating hinge 7. When the hinge support 8 includes the opening/closing hinges 3 and the rotating hinge 7, the opening/closing hinges 3 and the rotating hinge 7 can be located at separate positions. Therefore, in both the first state (the opening/closing angle is 90 degrees) shown in FIG. 1 and the fourth state (the opening/closing angle is 90 degrees) shown in FIG. 4, the concave portion 112 b and the convex portion 114 d are fitted together, and the positioning of the second case 2 with respect to the first case 1 can be performed. That is, the positioning of the second case 2 in different states of the notebook computer can be performed using one concave portion 112 b and one convex portion 114 d.

In this embodiment, the washer 114 a has the convex portion 114 d, and the first support 112 a has the concave portion 112 b. However, the washer 114 a may have a concave portion, and the first support 112 a may have a convex portion.

In this embodiment, the washer 114 a has the convex portion 114 d, and the first support 112 a has the concave portion 112 b. However, other configurations also may be employed as long as the second case 2 can be positioned at an opening/closing angle of 90 to 100 degrees.

In this embodiment, the opening/closing angle of the second case 2 for positioning is 90 to 100 degrees. However, depending on the shapes of the first case 1 and the second case 2 or the configuration of the opening/closing hinges 3, the second case 2 may be positioned at other opening/closing angles.

In this embodiment, the second case 2 is positioned when the opening/closing angle between the first case 1 and the second case 2 is 90 degrees. However, a further configuration may be provided to perform the positioning of the second case 2 with respect to the first case 1 in each of the first state (see FIG. 1), the second state (see FIG. 2), the fourth state (see FIG. 4), and the fifth state (see FIG. 5).

By incorporating the configuration of this embodiment in which the second case 2 is positioned at an opening/closing angle of 90 degrees into the configuration shown in FIGS. 19A to 19C, the second case 2 can be turned easily to the position where the opening/closing angle is 90 degrees, at which the slide lever 61 is to slide.

The first case 1 and the second case 2 of this embodiment are examples of the cases. The opening/closing hinge 3 of this embodiment is an example of the first hinge portion. The rotating hinge 7 of this embodiment is an example of the second hinge portion. The concave portion 112 b of this embodiment is an example of the concave portion. The convex portion 114 d of this embodiment is an example of the convex portion.

The electronic apparatus of the present application is useful for an apparatus including a plurality of cases and a hinge mechanism for supporting the cases openably, closably, and rotatably.

The invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The embodiments disclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not limiting. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein. 

1. An electronic apparatus with a first case and a second case, comprising: a hinge holding portion that is located in the vicinity of the first case and the second case and connected to the second case; a first hinge portion that openably and closably couples the first case and the hinge holding portion; and a second hinge portion that rotatably couples the second case and the hinge holding portion, wherein the second hinge portion supports the second case so that the second case can be rotated around a rotation axis substantially perpendicular to a plane direction of a principal plane of the first case that faces the second case in a closed state in which the first case and the second case are closed, and a position where the first hinge portion is joined to the hinge holding portion is separated from a position where the second hinge portion is joined to the hinge holding portion.
 2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first hinge portion is disposed so that an opening/closing axis around which the first case and the hinge holding portion are opened and closed is located at a position lower than the principal plane of the first case that faces the second case in the closed state.
 3. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first hinge portion includes a pair of hinge portions, and the second hinge portion is disposed substantially in the middle between the pair of hinge portions.
 4. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first case includes a first protective member on the principal plane near the hinge holding portion, the first protective member protrudes from the principal plane, and the first protective member is located at a position where the second case can slide over the first protective member when the second case is rotated around an axis of the second hinge portion.
 5. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second case includes a second protective member at a position that can face the first case when the second case is rotated around an axis of the second hinge portion.
 6. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second hinge portion is disposed between a pair of hinge portions constituting the first hinge portion, the hinge holding portion includes a projection, the second case includes a recess in which the projection can be fitted and from which the projection can be separated, the projection and the recess can be fitted together when the second case is in a position where the second case can be opened and closed by the first hinge portion, and the projection and the recess are located between the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion.
 7. The electronic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the projection includes a first projection and a second projection that have the same size, the recess includes a first recess and a second recess in which the first projection and the second projection can be fitted selectively, a distance from the first projection to a rotation axis of the second hinge portion is the same as a distance from the second projection to the rotation axis of the second hinge portion, and a distance from the first recess to the rotation axis of the second hinge portion is the same as a distance from the second recess to the rotation axis of the second hinge portion.
 8. The electronic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the projection includes a first projection and a second projection that have the same size, the recess includes a first recess and a second recess in which the first projection and the second projection can be fitted selectively, when the second case is rotated around a rotation axis of the second hinge portion to a first predetermined position, the first projection is fitted in the first recess and the second projection is fitted in the second recess, and when the second case is rotated around the rotation axis of the second hinge portion to a second predetermined position, the first projection is fitted in the second recess and the second projection is fitted in the first recess.
 9. The electronic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first projection is located in the middle between the rotation axis of the second hinge portion and one of the pair of hinge portions, the second projection is located in the middle between the rotation axis of the second hinge portion and the other of the pair of hinge portions.
 10. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second case includes a rotation restraining member that can be moved from a retracted position in the second case toward the hinge holding portion, and the hinge holding portion includes an engagement portion into which the rotation restraining member can be inserted and from which the rotation restraining member can be separated.
 11. The electronic apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the rotation restraining member can be inserted into or separated from the engagement portion when the second case is in a position where the second case can be opened and closed by the first hinge portion.
 12. The electronic apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the second hinge portion is disposed between a pair of hinge portions constituting the first hinge portion, the hinge holding portion includes a projection, the second case includes a recess in which the projection can be fitted and from which the projection can be separated, the projection and the recess can be fitted together when the second case is in a position where the second case can be opened and closed by the first hinge portion, and the projection and the recess are located between the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion.
 13. An electronic apparatus with a first case and a second case, comprising: a first hinge portion that openably and closably couples the first case and the second case; and a second hinge portion that rotatably couples the first case and the second case, wherein the first hinge portion controls a position of the second case relative to the first case when an opening/closing angle between the first case and the second case is a predetermined opening/closing angle, and the predetermined opening/closing angle is an opening/closing angle at which the second case is spaced from the first case or a surface on which the electronic apparatus is placed during rotation of the second case.
 14. The electronic apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined opening/closing angle is 90 to 100 degrees.
 15. The electronic apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the first hinge portion includes a shaft that is fixed to the second case, a support member that is fixed to the first case and allows the shaft to pass therethrough rotatably, and a washer that is in contact with the support member, the support member has a concave portion in a surface that comes into contact with the washer, the washer has a convex portion in a surface that comes into contact with the support member, and the concave portion and the convex portion are formed so as to be fitted together when the opening/closing angle between the first case and the second case is the predetermined opening/closing angle. 